Hanshaw takes stand

Wednesday

Dec 5, 2012 at 9:08 AM

By Don Reid

dwreid@aol.comCOLDWATER — Victor Hanshaw could not explain why he acted as a look out while Dillon Eaton burglarized over a dozen barns in Branch and Calhoun counties this fall."I don’t know. I didn’t think about it," the 18-year-old told Branch County Circuit Judge Bill O’Grady. "I’m a follower."O’Grady sentenced Hanshaw to a year in the Branch County Jail for violation of his 18 months probation after he fled from a Branch County Sheriff Office deputy in April while riding an off-road vehicle on Girard Road.Neither Hanshaw nor Eaton have yet been charged in the crimes, which were cleared by Michigan State Police when a large amount of stolen items were found in Eaton’s Tekonsha home.MSP Detective Sgt. James Karbon testified at Hanshaw’s probation violation hearing he interviewed Hanshaw after developing him as a suspect. The teen readily admitted he was present as a lookout but denied ever entering a building."Dillon drove his car. He wanted me to keep look out," Hanshaw testified.Karbon said Hanshaw said they knew one barn belonged to Branch County Prosecutor-Elect Ralph Kimble because of campaign signs in the corner. There, a welder and wire were taken.Hanshaw even took Karbon by places that he said he witness being robbed when the detective drove him home from the interview. Tools, copper, machines, laptops and other valuable items were taken from locations on Herricksville, County Line, 16 Mile, and Blossom roads. At Blossom Road, Eaton stole a truck.Hanshaw said stolen guns and chain saws were driven to Eaton’s grandparents' home in Flint. While Hanshaw stayed at the house Eaton left with guns."They are never going to be found," Hanshaw testified, calling Flint a "bad place."Hanshaw asked for a short time in jail and a chance to continue in school. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Chris Anderson objected, noting Hanshaw did not wait long after being placed on probation to begin working with Eaton."He accelerated himself on a path to prison," Anderson said.O’Grady agreed, listing a series of charges Hanshaw could face in connection with the crime spree."I’d be surprised if you stay out of prison," O'Grady said.Because Kimble was a victim, further prosecution on new charges will be handled by an out-of-county prosecutor.